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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The days are getting longer and the weather is heating up. . .to me this means one thing: Spring Dresses! After months of winter full of dark colors and heavy clothing I anxiously await those first few warm spring days when I can step out sans tights in a floaty spring dress. In honor of the warming weather and impending Easter, I am dedicating this week to dresses. Each day I will highlight some of my favorite dress choices this season for a variety of needs. Then check back next week to see how I turn some of my favorites into an entire outfit!

Today I will start with dresses for work. With more and more offices turning to a more casual look, women have a much larger selection of clothing to choose from for the office. It is important, though, no matter how casual your office might be that you do remain work appropriate. This can be done through choosing appropriate fabrics, fit and cut.

Fabrics: Choose more sophisticated fabrics, such as silks, structured cottons. . . .even a jersey fabric can be great in a structured wrap dress, especially for those who travel.

Fit: Nothing too tight, too short or too low cut are all obvious. But what about nothing too loose? Wear your dresses fitted, even a floaty style should graze your curves, not swallow you like a trash bag.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

In honor of St. Patrick's day I thought I would continue with a post celebrating the color green. Whether celebrating St. Patty's, or just wanting to add a splash of color to an ensemble, jewelry is a perfect way to brighten up your look. With springs list of neutrals, adding some delicately crafted jewels in shades of green will keep with the earthy, neutral look while adding a touch of glam to any outfit.

Jewelry designer Anna Balkan launched her line in 2006 and has already attained red carpet status. Her designs have been featured multiple times in publications including InStyle Magazine, Lucky Magazine and People.

Balkan’s jewelry is composed of the finest natural semi-precious gemstones and pearls from around the world, sterling silver, and 14kt gold fill. Her designs showcase unique color combination's and each piece makes a distinctive fashion statement. Particular attention is paid to the way the colors and textures work together and how the light plays and reflects among the stones.

I can't get enough of her unique designs that are unlike any other designs you can find in stores. Check out her website to view her newest Spring collection, purchase her designs and check out upcoming events.

Friday, March 12, 2010

St. Patty's day is just around the corner, and before the festivities begin you better make sure that you have your green on. Just because it is a holiday doesn't mean that you have to be so desperate to find green that you wear something you would otherwise never leave the house in.

Avoid looking like a leprechaun this year with these chic green choices:

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Hollywood came alive Sunday night with remarkable creations from some of the worlds leading fashion designers. The average ensemble from head to toe on Oscar night is valued anywhere from $117,000 into the millions, though most of the gowns and jewelry worn for the red carpet is borrowed.

So who got it right, and who missed their mark? My favorite gown of the evening was Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta. The glitzy and floaty creation was a change from Cameron's normal tight or short numbers, and it was dazzling. Honorable mentions also go to Sandra Bullock, Queen Latifah, Meryl Streep and Miley Cyrus (who needed to stand up straight).

Although Miley is often criticized for dressing too old for her age, I have to say that I much prefer this to the like of teeny bopper Brittany Spears who more often than not showed up on the red carpet sporting not much more than lingerie.

And now for the disappointments: Although, sadly, there was no one whose ensemble was just over the top ridiculous this year, there were several gowns that fell short. Carrie Mulligan in Prada and Charlize Theron in Dior tie for worst dressed. Up close, Carrie Mulligan's "sequins and sparkle" were really miniature forks and knives, which don't have much place on the red carpet.

Also deserving a worst dressed mention are Amanda Seyfried and Diane Kruger. Kate Winslet and Kathryn Bigelow aren't quite worst dressed, but did wear gowns that were quite underwhelming.

The Style Maison Personal Fashion Styling

The Style Maison

My interest in fashion is two sided:
I first have a love for the art of the designs. For the trends, the runway shows, the entire culture.
I also have an interest in fashion as style. This is about the wear-ability of fashion - creating not only a beautiful look, but one which complements the person wearing it.
I have several years experience in fashion, from being a fashion editor, to a stylist, to a personal shopper, and spending a summer studying in Paris. This blog serves to combine my three loves: fashion, style and writing.
If you are interested in my services, please check out my website. www.thestylemaison.com